Fort Collins shines as a fantastic destination for families during the holiday season, offering a blend of festive charm, outdoor adventures, and cozy, family-friendly activities.
The city is a part of the new Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail that extends from Loveland to Fort Collins and into several
surrounding towns. This new light trail allows visitors to experience festive light displays, free family-friendly activities and even drive-thru options at Northern Colorado cities known for having some of the best light displays in the state. And while you pass through Fort Collins, don’t miss these family-friendly activities.
Holiday Events in Fort Collins, Colorado for Families
1. Explore Historic Old Town
- Winter Wonderland Decor: Stroll the streets adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, transforming 22 blocks of Old Town into a sparkling wonderland now through Valentine’s Day!
- Shopping & Dining: Browse local boutiques for unique holiday gifts, then enjoy a cozy meal at one of the town’s many restaurants or cafes. Our favorite finds: Ginger & Baker is a vibrant destination housed in a beautifully restored 1905 grain mill, featuring a market, bakery, café, teaching kitchen, and open-air bar. Don’t miss the chance to try their delicious apple pie! The Cupboard was my go-to destination for darling holiday and home decor with specialty food, candy and coffee. The Silver Grill Cafe, Northern Colorado’s oldest restaurant, has been delighting guests with legendary breakfast and lunch since 1933. Recognized as the best in Colorado by news outlets and praised by both local and national publications, it’s famous for its massive, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, dripping with sweet, sugary goodness.
- Stay: Overnight at the Elizabeth Hotel, a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, in the heart of the downtown district at Firehouse Alley. This luxury Fort Collins hotel offers incredibly cool amenities, including an instrument-lending library and in-room record players. Guests can also enjoy a collection of local artwork that captures the vibrant spirit of Fort Collins.
- Insider’s Tip: Give the gift of Downtown Fort Collins! Accepted at more than 160 unique restaurants and retailers throughout the Downtown area, the Downtown Fort Collins gift card will help you plan the ultimate staycation for your family.
2. Celebrate with Holiday Events
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- Santa’s Workshop in Old Town Square: Meet Santa, take photos, enjoy the festive ambiance and lace up those skates to glide across a synthetic rink under twinkling lights.
- NoCo Winter Wonderland. This one-mile-long drive-thru holiday light display features 19 moving light displays and 200,000 lights that supports the non-profit Colorado Youth Outdoors. The holiday experience Nov. 28-Dec. 31 showcases Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their troublemaking elves enjoying a Colorado Christmas on 220 acres. Keep your eyes peeled for five Colorado big game species!
- Holiday Markets: Don’t miss the local artisan markets, like the Fort Collins Holiday Gift Festival, for handcrafted goods and treats.
- Garden of Lights Winter Holiday Light Festival. Dec. 5 – Dec. 29, head down to the Gardens on Spring Creek and explore the beautifully transformed botanic gardens as you stroll along a whimsical half-mile loop, glowing with colorful grapevines, towering flowerbeds, dancing blossoms, and vibrant displays. Visit with Santa and enjoy other live entertainers while you warm up with a hot cocoa or beverage from the full bar.
3. Winter Adventures Nearby
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- Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing: Explore nearby trails at Lory State Park or Horsetooth Mountain.
- Horsetooth Reservoir: Visit this iconic destination for winter hikes or a quiet picnic with stunning views.
- Sledding at Eldora Park: This sledding hill located between the tennis courts and parking lot for the Eldora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) is a good choice for families and is not too difficult to climb back up after sledding.
4. Day Trips from Fort Collins
- Loveland’s Winter Wonderlights: Just a short drive away, Loveland’s nightly light show and Winter Wonderlights are a treat. See our guide to Loveland for the holidays.
- Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park: Snowy peaks, wildlife, and holiday charm await less than an hour away. Check out the Festival of Trees and Catch the Glow Holiday Season. Learn more here.
Whether you’re enjoying holiday lights, exploring snowy trails, or indulging in sweet treats, Fort Collins has something to make every family’s holiday season special!
Author: Mile High Mamas
